Fly & Cruise
Why Should You Choose a Fly Cruise?
A Fly Cruise offers the best of both worlds: the thrill of Antarctic exploration combined with the comfort and efficiency of air travel. By flying over the Drake Passage, you can reach the 7th Continent in just about two hours instead of two days, skipping the treacherous Drake Passage and admiring the Peninsula from spectacular aerial views.
What’s more, once onboard your expedition ship, the Ocean Nova, you’ll enjoy the same immersive landings, activities, wildlife encounters, and expert-led explorations as a regular sea expedition, but in a much more intimate and social atmosphere.
Reach Antarctica Faster – Adventure Without the Wait
Flying from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, Antarctica, takes approximately two hours, compared to two days sailing across the Drake Passage. This allows you to save about four days of travel time and immerse yourself in Antarctica’s landscapes and wildlife from day one.
Smooth Skies, Easy Seas – A More Comfortable Journey
The Drake Passage is legendary for its unpredictable conditions, ranging from calm “Drake Lake” days to strong winds and waves that can give you a memorable case of seasickness. With a Fly Cruise, you can bypass it altogether, arriving in just a couple of hours, rested and relaxed. Briefings, gear fitting, and preparations take place in Punta Arenas the day before departure, so you can begin your adventure the moment you set foot on the White Continent.
Small Ship, Big Connections
Flying to Antarctica limits passenger numbers to around 70 guests at a time, creating a highly personalized expedition atmosphere. Once onboard Ocean Nova, the small-ship environment allows for faster Zodiac operations, longer time ashore, and greater flexibility in daily landings. The cozier expedition experience fosters deeper connections with fellow explorers and a stronger sense of camaraderie for a truly immersive Antarctic experience.
The Classic Expedition Experience
A sea cruise offers the classic expedition experience, including crossing the Drake Passage twice, considered by many polar travelers a rite of passage (and a badge of honor in rough weather). With more nights onboard, you’ll settle into life at sea, attend expert lectures, observe migrating seabirds and occasional whale pods, and experience the gradual transition into Antarctic waters.
Note: If you’d like to experience the Drake crossing without doing it twice, you can join one of our Fly-Sail cruises.
Go Beyond the Antarctic Peninsula
With a sea cruise, you can extend your expedition to visit remote destinations such as South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and even cross the Antarctic Circle. Longer, more comprehensive itineraries give you time to fully explore this remote corner of the world and discover the rich wildlife, landscapes, and history of the Southern Ocean.
Greater Choice – Sail the Entire Antarctic Season
Our sea cruises sail to Antarctica from the end of October to early March, spanning late Antarctic spring through early fall. In contrast, Fly Cruises typically operate within a more limited seasonal window, generally during peak season, making sea voyages ideal for travelers seeking greater scheduling flexibility, broader availability, or the opportunity to experience Antarctica across its changing seasons.
Your Fly Cruise to Antarctica
Your journey begins in Chilean Patagonia in the town of Punta Arenas, where you’ll relax from your flight and attend all preparatory briefings and gear-fitting sessions before your flight south.
1. Arrival in Cabo de Hornos
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, our ground team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Hotel Cabo de Hornos, your comfortable basecamp before Antarctica. Located in the heart of the city overlooking Plaza de Armas, the hotel offers elegant rooms, welcoming lounges, and the perfect setting to prepare for your expedition.
2. Briefings, Gear Fitting, Introductions
After you have had time to rest and get comfortable, our staff team will guide you through essential briefings, gear fitting, and inspections. These sessions ensure you arrive informed, properly equipped, and ready to explore responsibly:
IAATO Briefing
Polar Latitudes Expeditions is a proud and active member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). Prior to arrival in Antarctica, all guests must receive a briefing on how to behave responsibly to safeguard both themselves and the Antarctic environment.
Zodiac Briefing
Embarking your expedition vessel in Antarctica is a little different from doing so in a “regular” port – with no port facilities or gangway access, our Expedition Team will assist you in boarding the vessel by Zodiac landing craft. This briefing will explain what to expect upon arrival and how to safely and comfortably embark and disembark the Zodiacs.
Logistical Briefing
What happens tomorrow? How will our arrival in Antarctica unfold? When do I go to the airport? How long is the flight? All these questions will be answered during the Logistical Briefing, where our team will provide a schedule for the following day to ensure your arrival in Antarctica is as seamless as possible.
Boot and Parka Fitting
Antarctica is, of course, notorious for frigid temperatures and sometimes challenging weather — which means you’ll need to dress the part before flying from Punta Arenas. We provide the essentials: a warm expedition parka specifically designed for Antarctic conditions, along with waterproof rubber boots ideal for Zodiac operations and walking on snow and ice. These items, along with any outerwear you plan to use, will undergo biosecurity checks. Our team will help you find the right fit so you arrive ready to explore.
Biosecurity Inspection
Antarctica is one of Earth’s largest wilderness areas and a unique ecosystem isolated from the rest of the world. As such, it is highly vulnerable to the introduction of non-native species, especially foreign insects, plants, and microbes, which have the potential to devastate this fragile environment. All visitors therefore play a vital role in protecting this wilderness by ensuring their clothing and equipment are completely free from seeds, soil, dirt, or anything else that could harbor invasive organisms. Your friendly shoreside team will assist you in cleaning and disinfecting your gear so you can play your part in preserving this precious place.
3. Boarding Our Planes
Your Antarctic crossing is operated by DAP Airlines, an experienced polar aviation company operating charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island. These charter planes feature reinforced landing gear, powerful engines, and interiors configured for expedition travel. The approximately two-hour flight offers spectacular views as icebergs and glaciers appear below before landing on the gravel runway of King George Island — your gateway to Antarctica.
4. Embarking on Ocean Nova and Your Cabin
After landing, you’ll transfer by Zodiac to Ocean Nova, a purpose-built expedition vessel designed for polar exploration. Agile and ice-strengthened, Ocean Nova enables access to remote bays and landing sites across the Peninsula.
Carrying just 70 guests, the ship offers a cozy atmosphere that balances adventure with relaxation, thanks to its many common areas, indoor and outdoor observation points, and the following single, double, and twin stateroom configurations:
Single
The Single cabin on Upper Deck 3 features one lower single and one upper single berth. It is perfect for solo travelers seeking comfort and privacy.
Classic Twin
Situated on Upper Deck 3, Classic Twin cabins offer two comfortable berths – one lower single and one upper single. The Classic Twin provides a cozy retreat, ideal for guests travelling together.
Explorer Twin
Located on Upper Deck 3 and Bridge Deck 4, Explorer Twin cabins are designed for two guests and feature one lower single and one upper single berth. These mid-size cabins offer a comfortable setting for two guests.
Explorer Double
Situated on Upper Deck 3, Explorer Double cabins offer one lower double bed and two upper single berths, making them ideal for couples.
Comfort Twin
This spacious cabin on Upper Deck 3 features two lower single berths and two upper single berths, making it ideal for those seeking extra space and comfort. Two wardrobes provide generous storage for all your expedition needs.
OCEAN NOVA DECK PLAN
Click deck plan to see in bigger detail
Adventure Options
During our Fly Cruise, you can enrich your experience with a range of optional and included adventure options.
Discover Kayaking
$350: This option is for guests who want a taste of the Antarctic kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of up to 14, accompanied by a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. The total number of kayaking spots available on each departure varies by itinerary length and weather conditions, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.
Kayaking sells out quickly, so be sure to sign up at the time of deposit.
On Board Photography Coach – Included
Our photography coaches are always on hand to offer advice during Zodiac cruises, onshore landings, and from the deck. In addition, they host presentations to help you navigate the unique and unpredictable challenges of shooting in the polar regions. Your onboard coach will also document your expedition, and you’ll receive a USB flash drive keepsake to share with friends and family back home.
Citizen Science – Included
All guests have the opportunity to help collect data for ongoing, real-world scientific research projects. There are a number of initiatives you can take part in, so be sure to review the sign-up sheets when you board the ship.
You do not need to sign up in advance to participate in our Citizen Science program.
Polar Plunge – Included
It may sound like a crazy thing to do, but there are plenty of reasons why hurling yourself into freezing-cold water is one of our most popular activities.
You do not need to sign up in advance to participate in the Polar Plunge.
Book Your Fly Cruise to Antarctica
FAQs
How long is the flight to Antarctica?
The flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes approximately two hours in the air, compared to two days at sea to make the crossing. Bear in mind, however, that weather conditions can cause delays or occasional cancellations, so as with all things in expedition cruising, flexibility is key.
Will my Antarctic experience differ from a cruise-only voyage?
No. Although you will fly over the Drake Passage, once you embark on Ocean Nova, your Antarctic experience will essentially be the same as on our cruise-only voyages, visiting the same wildlife colonies and landing sites. Remember, however, that traveling to Antarctica is a true expedition, and the sites we visit will be carefully planned, and occasionally adjusted, by the Captain and Expedition Leader according to wind, weather, and ice conditions in the area.
Can I leave Punta Arenas early after my voyage?
Yes, but we recommend staying for the included nights, as weather conditions may affect flight schedules. Remaining in Punta Arenas ensures flexibility and comfort should delays occur, and allows you to explore a magnificent part of Chilean Patagonia before returning home.
Do I need to arrive in Punta Arenas the day before my flight?
Yes. Preparations, including gear fitting, biosecurity inspections, and mandatory briefings, take place the day prior to departure, ensuring you’re ready for Antarctica.
Flights to Antarctica rely on a clear operating window of several hours of suitable weather, which could occur at any time on the day of your flight. While most flights run on schedule, your departure may need to shift earlier or later to take advantage of appropriate conditions.
For these reasons, we require all guests to be present at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas by 14:00 at the latest on the day before their flight to Antarctica.
Is flying to Antarctica considered “cheating”?
Not at all. A Fly Cruise is simply another way to reach Antarctica, ideal for travelers with limited time or those wishing to avoid rough seas. While some purists may say you need to sail the Drake Passage for the full experience, the destination ultimately remains the same: Antarctica itself.
How will I be prepared for my expedition?
Upon arrival at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas, our friendly land-based team will assist you in biosecuring your equipment, which is essential to protect the delicate Antarctic environment, distribute rubber boots and expedition parkas, and brief you on protocols for responsible Antarctic tourism, as well as how to safely embark and disembark our vessel via Zodiac. Our team in Punta Arenas is at your disposal before and after your voyage.
Why do Fly Cruises operate from Punta Arenas instead of Ushuaia?
While Ushuaia is geographically the closest departure hub to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is the primary hub for Chilean air operations to Antarctica, including the base and runway on King George Island. Flights must therefore operate to this runway from Chilean territory.
Why are Fly Cruises more expensive than cruise-only programs?
Operating flights to Antarctica requires specialized aircraft, experienced pilots, and limited infrastructure. Partnerships with polar aviation providers and hotels in Punta Arenas add logistical costs, ensuring safety and comfort throughout your journey.